It is similar to the agreement which in the summer brought Ahmed Hegazi to The Hawthorns meaning that Ahmed and Ali, centre-back partners in the national team which will play at the 2018 World Cup finals, will now link up in the Premier League.

Gabr, who will wear the number 16 shirt, is a powerful 6ft 4in athlete in the prime of his career at the age of 29. And he's relishing his chance to shine here in England.

"I'm here to help the team and do my job. I'm very happy and excited to be here," he said after signing.

His recruitment is a direct result of the trail which led Albion to his great friend Ahmed in the summer.

Technical Director Nick Hammond said: "He's a player that we first identified at the African Cup of Nations where he played alongside Ahmed.

"We've continued to follow his progress since then and saw a good opportunity to do a deal in this window.

"The structure is the same as for Ahmed - it's a well-structured deal for the club. Ali is strong, dominant in the air and he's got good pace as well. This is a great opportunity for him and we're delighted to have him here."